Speed Rating for Trailer Tires and Troubleshooting a Bouncing Trailer

Updated 09/26/2011 | Published 09/24/2011

Products Featured in This Question

Kenda 5.70-8 Bias Trailer Tire with 8" Galvanized Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range D

(7284)

$73.23

Kenda K353 Bias Trailer Tire - 4.80-12 - Load Range C

(3802)

$48.09

Question:

I was going to purchase 2 ST4.8x12 6ply tires. I saw from another post they are rated to 65 MPH. Which tires in this size would have a higher rating? On another note when my trailer is loaded with just 1 ATV , 350 pounds, the trailer bounces all over at 90 psi. The trailer is rated for 2000 pounds. Is there a lower pressure I can run with such a light load or a rule of thumb I can use?

asked by: Steve

Expert Reply:

All of the trailer tires we carry are rated for 65 miles per hour which is suitable for highway speeds. A 4.8-12 trailer tire, like the Kenda K353 Bias Trailer Tire, # AM10062, is rated for 90 psi. You should always inflate a trailer tire to the max psi rating indicated on the tire.

Trailer tires are made with a thicker side wall to handle more vertical load. Under-inflating a trailer tire will cause excessive heat build up and cause the tire to fail.

What is probably causing your trailer to bounce is too low tongue weight. You will want to move the load forward on the trailer to raise the tongue weight. Ideally, you want the tongue weight to be 10 to 15 percent of the gross trailer weight when loaded and ready to tow.

I have included a link to our trailer tire FAQ article for you and a towing FAQ link.

expert reply by: Michael H